Becoming a parent while still in high school changes daily life in immediate and lasting ways. Time becomes limited, priorities shift quickly, and traditional school schedules often no longer work. For many young parents, continuing toward graduation feels overwhelming or unrealistic.

Program participants pose for a group photo at their desks at OFY’s Victorville 1 Learning Center, celebrating their accomplishments in the Spanish-language technology program.

School feels different when you’re trying to balance real life with classwork. Maybe you’re working, helping your family, or just tired of the noise and pressure that come with a crowded campus. At Options For Youth (OFY), you get a learning model that lets you breathe a little and focus in a way that makes sense for you.

You might reach a point where you’re ready to move faster in school. Maybe you want to catch up, make steady progress, or free up time for work, family, or your own goals. 

School counselors and teachers have long emphasized the importance of involvement in school activities. From entering high school to senior year, the extracurricular activities students join play a pivotal role in the college application process, now more than ever.

Did you know that nearly 40% of high school students don’t finish their education (John Hopkins)? That’s a staggering number, and it’s a problem that affects not just the students, but entire communities. High school completion is often seen as a necessary step for a bright future, but for many teens, it can feel out of reach. Let’s take a closer look at why so many students are unable to graduate and what we can do to help them succeed.

Who Benefits from Flexible Education?

Not every student’s journey looks the same. Some need more time, others need more independence, and many juggle responsibilities beyond school. Traditional school models don’t always fit every student’s needs, which is why flexible education is essential. At Options For Youth (OFY), we help students design a learning experience that works for them. Whether a student is catching up on credits, seeking a more independent learning style, or balancing school with work and family, OFY provides the support and structure needed to succeed.

Catch Up, Get Ahead, Anytime of the Year

At Options For Youth (OFY), we believe that learning should be flexible, accessible, and tailored to each student’s unique needs. That’s why we offer Credit Enrichment, designed to help students catch up, stay on track, or get ahead in their academic journey—anytime of the year. Whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or fall, students can continue progressing toward their goals without being limited by traditional school schedules.

Education isn’t one-size-fits-all. 

Applying to a college or university is a long process with many steps. When you finally click the “submit” button, you may feel like your work is done and now you can finally devote your time to catching up on your favorite TV shows. While it’s definitely true that you’ll have more free time, you will need to periodically check in to make sure that every part of the application process is flowing the way it should. After all, it is your application and your life! Who better to take care of it than you? To make sure that everything goes well, be sure to avoid these common setbacks.